INSIDE Swans Swoop on Nicky Winmar Carnival Lockridge Students Lead the Way Swan Athletic Lights the Fuse on AFL Crawford comes to Caversham Primary Darling Range Sports College breaking New Ground Young Ducks Destined to Deliver Plus lots more! PAGE 1
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CONTENTS 3 From the CEOs Desk 3 From the District Managers Desk 4 Avengers Storm Aveley 5 Swans Swoop on Nicky Winmar Carnival 6 Lockridge Students Lead the Way 7 Rangers Bolt into Colts 7 Swans Making Progress In Caversham 8 Out & About 9 Crawford comes to Caversham 10 Swan Athletic Lights the Fuse on AFL 9s 11 School Holiday Clinic 12 Darling Range Sports College Breaks New Ground 13 Joining the Social Media Revolution 14 Hedland Reds Striving for Success in 2014 15 Young Ducks Destined to Deliver FROM THE CEO S desk After another hard summer, it s underway again! Following a number of experienced players moving on, many in the football world nominated Swan Districts to finish last. From what I ve seen and felt over the past couple of months I m very confident we will surprise a lot of the WA football public and in my opinion it will be because of one element; Spirit. Never underestimate what can happen when names and reputations are taken out of the equation and you get a group of players that genuinely care for each other. That s the feeling around the club at the moment and for anyone that saw our first game against East Perth, they will have been impressed with the next wave of young talent we have coming through. Further to that, they would have seen a team play genuinely exciting football, which nearly produced a remarkable victory against a side that has been given flag favourite status. No one should ever be satisfied with losing however if our group continue to develop and have respect for each other, we will be successful. Of that I have no doubt. If you re undecided about joining the Black Ducks again in 2014, make sure you get to as many games as possible and make your own mind up about the direction in which the club is heading. District competitions will all kick off in April so, to those of you involved in community clubs, good luck for the 2014 season. FROM THE district managers desk This edition of Black & White Magazine promises to be another bumper issue for the Swans District and Swan Districts Football Club. The diversity of stories in this issue ranges from landmark education programs including the Swans District Primary School Leaders Program, which was piloted at Lockridge Primary School to our highly successful campaign at the WAFC Nicky Winmar Carnival. The Swans District is emboldened by the development of a WAAFL Colts at Hills Rangers FC, which will strengthen the senior community club pathway in the Shire of Mundaring. The Swans District is also witnessing the beginning of the Aveley Avengers JFC, which will support both an Auskick Centre and Junior Girls in one of the quickest growing suburbs in the Swan Valley. Darling Range Sports College is set to create history by becoming the first AFL Female Specialist Program in WA by 2015. Caversham Primary School was graced by the presence of Hawthorn Football Club Legend and NAB AFL Auskick Ambassador, Shane Crawford, which will continue to enhance the profile of AFL in Caversham, Dayton and West Swan. Continuing the Swan Valley theme, Swan Athletic FC hosted a hugely successful AFL 9s mixed summer competition at Fawell Park with competitive and social players alike connecting to the exciting AFL 9s product. The Swans District was proud to see the Swan Districts Football Club League debut of past Midvale JFC and Upper Swan JFC player, Aidan Anderson who has continued his rapid rise with a spot in the WA State 18s. The Swans District hasn t let the foot of the pedal with its social media revolution expanding at a rapid rate to include the development of an Instagram account and YouTube Channel, Swans Vision to complement the success of the Swans District App and Facebook Page. The Swans District welcomes junior and senior community clubs to the start of the 2014 season and wishes all committees, coaches, players and umpires the very best for another big season. PAGE 3
BLACK & WHITE Avengers Storm Aveley Aveley is heralding a new band of superheroes in the mould of the Aveley Avengers JFC. The green and red streaked Avengers JFC, begin their epic quest in 2015 with an Auskick Centre and Junior Girls. The Avengers JFC have inked the Swans District record books, hosting a successful AGM at Aveley Community Building in March. The Avengers JFC Committee, which is spearheaded by Avengers JFC President, Ross King are harnessing their powers to build a professional junior club, which is defined by inclusion and positive game environments. The Avengers JFC hope Aveley Primary School will provide a steady production line to develop a Year 3s, 4s and 5s in 2015. Aveley Primary School is playing a critical role in the development of the new junior club with the name, colours and jumper being decided by Aveley Primary School students and staff. The Avengers JFC is striving to reach bronze level in the Swisse AFL Quality Club Program and source maiden patrons and sponsors to share their vision for AFL in the suburb of Aveley. The Avengers JFC Committee are excited by the infinite potential of the new junior club with more than 80 boys and girls, aged 5 to 9, registered to play NAB AFL Auskick in their freshman season. The Avengers JFC will be using Aveley Community Building as its command centre to launch its mission to become a club of choice for kids and parents in Aveley and subsequently boost Auskick, female and junior participation in the broader Swans District. With Aveley soaring through a population explosion, the Avengers JFC is seen by the Swans District as a key player in servicing a new generation of players. Subsequently, the Swans District has chosen Aveley Playing Fields as its platform to unleash a new program named Swans Footy Fundamentals, which is aimed at developing the locomotor skills of Kindergarteners, aged 2 to 5. The Swans District hopes the unique program will be the point of difference in attracting new markets to the AFL including children from CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds and children possessing a disability. Swans Footy Fundamentals, which is delivered by Swans District staff, will also provide Kindergarteners with a pathway to the Avengers JFC Auskick Centre in 2015 to 2018. Whilst the Avengers JFC propel into their first match in the Swans District Junior Girls Competition, the Avengers JFC Auskick Centre doesn t cut its first blade of grass until May. However, the new Auskick Centre will benefit from a promotional blitz during 2014 due to the exposure and success of the NAB AFL Auskick Gala Day and Supa Rulz Day. The Avengers JFC Junior Girls will become one of six new junior clubs in the Swans District Junior Girls Competition, which will enhance the Swans District s status as a centre of excellence for female football and make it a key player in the push for an AFL Women s League in 2020. The Swans District is buoyed by the growth predictions associated with Aveley and sees the Avengers JFC as a key driver in the Swans District s push for 3,000 Auskick participants by 2018, which will subsequently support the West Australian Football Commission s (WAFC) goal of 200,000 participants by 2018. Should you wish to become part of the Avenger JFC s 2014 quest as an NAB AFL Auskicker or Junior Girl, please don t hesitate to contact Aveley Avengers JFC President, Ross King on 0439 341 870 or rwking@iinet.net.au Check out Swans website: www.swandistrictsfc.com.au/ PAGE 4
Swans Swoop on Nicky Winmar Carnival The Swans District saw more than 60 Aboriginal boys participate in the Nicky Winmar Carnival on Sunday, 2nd March at Bendigo Bank Stadium. The Swans District nominated two teams composed of players from suburbs ranging from Lockridge to Swan View coupled with a swathe of silky players from Newman and the South-West. The Swans District had a massively successful day with one of its two teams winning two from three and narrowly missing out on a place in the Nicky Winmar Carnival Semi-Final. Both sides were stacked with coaching talent including Swans Black & White, which was composed of Coach Rick Anderson and Assistant Coaches, Darius Schwarz and Isaac Stewart whilst Swans Blue & Yellow played host to Steve Thomson, Andrew Beck and Chelsea Randall. The successful Swans District campaign was no doubt due to the off-field mentoring of players by Swans District coaching staff, Rick Anderson, Andrew Beck and Darius Schwarz. Beck and Schwarz come to the Swans District with significant education expertise from their positions at Guildford Grammar and Lockridge Primary School respectively. Beck is an Indigenous Program Coordinator at Guildford Grammar, whilst Schwarz is a PE Teacher at Lockridge Primary School. The Swans District witnessed some stunning displays of flair, speed and skill throughout the duration of the Nicky Winmar Carnival, highlighted by players such as Dwayne Murmuru (South-West), Ethan Kelly-Akee (La Salle JFC), Greg Humphries (South-West), Kobe Rodney (Swan View JFC), Leyton Ugle (Guildford Grammar) and Tyler Roe (Bassendean JFC). The Swans District now hopes to see the 62 players take the next step by transitioning into a junior community club and potentially claim a spot in the SDFC Development Squad. Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart said the Nicky Winmar Carnival has increased the awareness of the junior community pathway amongst Indigenous boys, aged 12 to 14 and hopes to see a stack of players coming through the system in 2014. The Nicky Winmar Carnival has become a vehicle for promoting junior community pathways to Indigenous boys and will undoubtedly enhance participation outcomes across the Swans District, said Stewart. Should you need more details about the 2014 Nicky Winmar Carnival or playing in the Swans District Junior Competition, please contact Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart on 0429 000 347. PAGE 5
BLACK & WHITE Lockridge Students Lead The Way Students from Lockridge Primary School have taken their first big step towards becoming leaders of Generation Z in the suburbs of Bassendean, Eden Hill, Kiara and Lockridge with the completion of the Swans District Primary School Leaders Program. The revolutionary program, which was developed by Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart and Lockridge Primary School AFL School Ambassador, Darius Schwarz saw the delivery of six unique workshops such as situational leadership, goal-setting, drug and alcohol awareness, teambuilding, nutritional awareness and community outreach. The Swans District Primary School Leaders Program was designed to improve school attendance at Lockridge Primary School, increase participation in Bassendean Junior Football Club and provide students with the personal development skills to ensure a smooth transition between primary school and secondary school in 2015. The program utilised an incentive scheme to promote peak student engagement in Lockridge Primary School and the broader community. Such incentives included the chance to play AFL 9s and receive polo-shirts, posters and stickers. The success of the program was measured by a stunning 90% attendance from Lockridge Primary School students. The students were inspired by the epic stories of Mount Everest Expedition Leader, Patrick Hollingworth, who discussed the differing dimensions of leadership and the importance of developing resilience. Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart delivered sessions on goal-setting and drug and alcohol awareness. The goal-setting session showed students how to reach for the stars by setting both short-term and long-term goals and developing self-esteem through the development of positive affirmations. The drug and alcohol seminar presaged students about the pitfalls associated with using depressants, hallucinogens and stimulants. The students swapped their classroom for the playground with Adventure Team Builders providing students with a series of drills geared towards discovering their inner leadership potential. The drills were designed by Adventure Team Builders to promote teamwork including group skiing, statue lifting and climbing through synthetic spider webs. Schwarz and Stewart delivered a nutritional awareness seminar, which coached the students on how to ensure good dietary behaviours through the development of a balanced dietary plan based on the five major food groups. The students were also treated to a cooking demonstration, which involved making basic meals including burgers and yoghurt cups. The community outreach session was delivered by Swan Alliance Community Development Officer, John Aciek, who facilitated a thought-provoking session designed to develop a shared vision for what Lockridge Primary School and the surrounding community should look like in the next decade. The students brainstormed a number of innovative notions aimed at improving the future of their communities including the development of new playgrounds based on particular age groups, cleaner public facilities, safer streets, free sporting equipment and free Wi-Fi. The next step for this dynamic group of students is to schedule meetings with their local and state government representatives to share their vision for developing child friendly communities in Bassendean, Eden Hill, Kiara and Lockridge. Schwarz said the program has been a fantastic experience for the participating students. The students looked forward to the sessions each week and gained valuable skills and knowledge from the program. Lockridge Primary School is very fortunate to have developed this partnership with the Swans District Football Development Council (SDFDC) and Isaac Stewart has done an amazing job developing this program, said Schwarz. Should you be interested in discovering more about the Swans District Primary School Leaders Program, please contact Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart on 0429 000 347 or istewart@swandistrictsfc.com PAGE 6
Rangers Bolt into Colts The newly founded Hills Rangers Football Club has already created its own slice of history with the club nominating a Colts side into the Western Australian Amateur Football League (WAAFL) in 2014. Along with the plethora of youth sides which have entered the Swans District Junior Competition in 2014, the Colts will provide a pathway for players graduating from junior community ranks to the WAAFL Colts and subsequently the Hills Football Association (HFA). The Hills Rangers FC Colts side has shown tremendous spirit early in their short tenure with players coming from all over the Shire of Mundaring to band together before the start of the 2014 season. Hills Rangers FC Colts Coach, Ian Stitt has earmarked 2014 as a season of development as his young charges get used to pace of the WAAFL. A swag of Hills Rangers FC Colts players were part of the innovative Swans District 1Life Youth Leadership Program in 2013, which went through a multitude of educational sessions aimed at personal development through key areas such as drug and alcohol awareness and mental health. Hills Rangers FC Colts players including Joe Skehan, Jordan Houston, Sam Carter and Lindsay Vitler are graduates of the Swans District 1Life Youth Leadership Program and have already shown their considerable leadership potential in the Hills Rangers FC Colts. With a strong emphasis on perfecting the basics, the players are developing a strong team environment in which equality and trust are key pillars for the shared success of this dynamic new group. The Hills Rangers FC Colts are vital to building a strong legacy for the next generation of players. In what is seen as a great addition to the West Coast Eagles Colts, Hills Rangers FC will hope to bring a strong competitive streak to the WAAFL with their home at Mundaring Recreation Ground primed to become a fortress for many years to come. Swans Making Progress In Caversham The Swans District has put the finishing touches on the Caversham Primary School After-School Program. Thanks to the delivery of the 6 week program, Caversham is buzzing with the excitement of AFL, with more than 30 participants, aged 5 to 12 participating in a series of handball, kicking, marking and game sense drills. The program was designed to increase the exposure of students to the Swans District junior community pathway and develop fan basing opportunities for Swan Districts Football Club (SDFC). Whilst a junior community club doesn t presently exist in Caversham, programs such as these will no doubt enhance Auskick and Modified participation, which will pave the way for the development of Caversham Football Club in 2016. The highly entertaining program, which was delivered by a suite of Swans District staff, provided students who didn t possess a link to the game with an entrée to AFL before the start of the 2014 Premiership Season. The program, which is proudly supported by Progress Developments, barely scratches the surface on what is destined to become a bumper 2014 at Caversham Primary School and for the suburb of Caversham. The Swans District is delivering a smorgasbord of programs aimed at kids aged 2 to 12 at Caversham Primary School, including Auskick, Eagles Faction Footy and a pilot Kindergarten program, Swans Footy Fundamentals. These programs will supply students with a basic to intermediate education on the skills of AFL with exposure to boundary, field and goal umpiring in Years 5, 6 and 7. Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart hopes such programs will continue to flourish and lead to enhanced participation across Caversham and the Swan Valley with the subsequent goal of higher school to club transitions. The Swans District and Caversham Primary School have developed an exciting partnership with the support of Swans District Principal Partner, Progress Developments, which will expand club and school participation outcomes in preparation for the development of Caversham Football Club in the not too distant future, said Stewart. Progress Developments continues to provide superb support to the Swans District, which shares its vision to provide Caversham and the surrounding suburbs with access to exciting opportunities dedicated to building strong communities. PAGE 7
BLACK & WHITE SDFDC out & About Nicky Winmar Carnival Swans Primary school leaders program Level 0 GreeN Shirt Umpire program PAGE 8
Crawford COMES to Caversham NAB AFL Auskick Ambassador, Shane Crawford, recently visited the eager school kids of Caversham Primary School to promote the NAB AFL Auskick Program for 2014. Crawford, accompanied by a swathe of Swans District staff, spoke to a whole school assembly about the basics of the Auskick program, whilst also providing the students with a background of his illustrious career as a Hawthorn Football Club Premiership Player and Brownlow Medallist. The former Hawks captain, spoke candidly of the effort and discipline required to play at the highest level, revealing his stature as a major obstacle. His story of perseverance and hard work rubbed off on the kids of Caversham Primary School as they asked a variety of questions relating to Shane s story and the NAB AFL Auskick program. The NAB AFL Auskick program is open to any boy or girl aged between 5-9 and is the first stepping stone to playing junior football. With a swathe of Auskick centres throughout Swans District, the NAB AFL Auskick program encourages the development of basic AFL skills and also improve fundamental motor skills. The program aims to encourage not only football skills and physical health and well being but also aspects such as self-esteem and social skills. Following the conclusion of the special assembly, the Year 1s, 2s and 3s of Caversham Primary were treated to an exclusive NAB AFL Auskick clinic delivered by Swans District staff and Shane Crawford. The kids were engaged in a multitude of skill-based games that were aimed to develop the basics of handballing, kicking and marking. Crawford, drew upon his unparalleled knowledge of the basics of AFL and participated in the games much to the delight of the kids. With his enthusiastic and fun-natured approach to the students, Crawford was a glowing success in his aim of promoting the NAB AFL Auskick program. In what was a whirlwind visit to the school, Crawford s influence on the students at Caversham Primary School will provide continuous support for the Auskick Centres throughout the Swans District and encourage any young boy or girl to get involved with their local Auskick Centre. For more details on how to get involved in the NAB AFL Auskick program, please contact Swans District Development Officer, Chelsea Randall at crandall@ swandistrictsfc.com or on 9279 8700. PAGE 9
BLACK & WHITE Swan Athletic Lights The Fuse on AFL 9s The Swans District recently capped-off a highly entertaining AFL 9s Summer Competition at Fawell Park in Herne Hill, which is also known as the headquarters of WAAFL A-Grade side, Swan Athletic Football Club. The new initiative was derived from the success of the AFL 9s Progress Developments Cup, has attracted junior community, senior community and social participants form the four corners of the Swans District. The fast-paced brand of social football has swept across the Swan Valley like a wildfire with a Men s and Mixed divisions composed of 8 sides. The AFL 9s Summer Competition, was played on Tuesday nights over 8 weeks under the lights of Fawell Park. AFL 9s, is a socially inclusive program which caters to all and sundry including competition players from the Swans District Junior Competition, AFL Masters, WAAFL, WAFC Youth Girls Competition and social players sourced from suburbs such as Chidlow, Ellenbrook, Guildford, Midland and Mount Helena. The scope of AFL 9s is boundless, which allows the Swans District to attract lapsed junior and senior community players back to the game and even encourage the participation of different cultures who are new to the game. Buoyed by the success of the AFL 9s Summer Competition at Swan Athletic FC, the Swans District is poised to develop a new Mixed Spring Competition in Term 4 2014. AFL 9s, is a non-contact game highlighted by a nine-per-side structure, composed of three defenders, three midfielders and three forwards. The playing surface is modified to suit players of all ages and sizes, without losing the essence or flair of a standard junior or senior community match. The modified nature of the AFL 9s rules lends itself perfectly to the development of Men s, Mixed and Women s divisions which are free-flowing spectacles characterised by entertainment and participation. The capacity to play a match requiring minimal skill or conditioning is a key selling point for the AFL 9s Summer Competition at Swan Athletic FC. AFL 9s has the potential to revolutionise junior and senior community football, capturing a host of new markets in the process. The participants in the AFL 9s Summer Competition at Swan Athletic FC have lapped-up the opportunity to unleash their competitive spirit without taking themselves too seriously. The sociable environment espoused by the AFL 9s Summer Competition has developed a blueprint for the development of other potential AFL 9s Centres in the Swans District. The sustainability of the AFL 9s Summer Competition in 2015 and beyond will support the Swans District s push to increase senior community participation in the surrounding WAAFL senior community clubs. The success of the program is undoubtedly due to the dedication of AFL 9s Coordinator, Carl Scarfone in consultation with Swan Athletic Sporting Club. The Swans District recognises strong advocates such as Scarfone whose dedication is invaluable to the ongoing development of AFL 9s Centres in the broader community. Scarfone, who is also an AFL School Ambassador at Swan Valley Anglican Community School, rated the AFL 9s Summer Competition a blinding success for Swan Athletic FC and the Swan Athletic Sporting Club, The best part about AFL 9s is that is caters for people of all ages, with various skill and fitness levels. It s all about having fun with your mates and having the chance to be involved in a social competition. Should you need more details about developing an AFL 9s Centre, please don t hesitate to contact Swans District Youth Development Assistant, Daniel Curtis on 9279 8700. PAGE 10
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BLACK & WHITE Darling Range Sports College breaks new ground Darling Range Sports College is proud to announce it will create the maiden AFL Female Specialist Football Program in 2015. This innovative secondary school is leading the way across Australia when it comes to female football and in 2015, Darling Range Sports College will deliver a dedicated program specifically for girls in Year 7 and Year 8. The exciting Darling Range Sports College AFL Female Specialist Football Program will mirror a similar structure to the present AFL male specialist program at the school with a few differences to meet the needs of young women, with personal and skill development considered a prime focus. Heading up the new venture with Head of Physical Education, Greg Maynard, is Swans District Development Officer and WA Female AFL Ambassador, Chelsea Randall, who was ecstatic about the new initiative, I wish I had this opportunity when I was a teenage girl, it s a great way to learn a new sport, even if girls don t know the skills or rules, this program offers so much more than just playing. Similar to all of Darling Range Sports College programs, it has a strong emphasis on educating and supporting young people in living a healthy lifestyle. The significant developments within female football in the Swans District, has led to this school-based youth pathway which will open up many opportunities for girls to follow their footballing dreams into the Western Australian Womens Football League (WAWFL) With a burgeoning Swans District Junior Girl Competition, which now has 6 sides represented in Lesmurdie, Bassendean, Mundaring, Aveley, High Wycombe and Swan View, opportunities are aplenty within the Female Football stratosphere. The pathway which has been promoted by Swans District and WA Female AFL Ambassador, Chelsea Randall has led to the astronomical growth of the Female Football sector and the innovation of the Darling Range Sports College AFL Female Specialist Football Program will become the envy of secondary schools across the country. Darling Range Sports College is leading the charge for Female Football in secondary schools in Western Australia and the Swans District is enthused by the prospect of developing the Female Football development pathway in consultation with the College going forward. For more details about this program and how to enrol, please contact Greg Maynard, Head of Health, Physical Education and Sports Education Programs on Greg.Maynard@education.wa.edu.au or 9453 0100. Would you like to Advertise Here! Contact Operations Manager: Rick Anderson 9279 8700 PAGE 12
Joining the Social Media Revolution In a sign of growing social media trends, the Swans District is delving into the platforms of Instagram and YouTube. The move is designed by the Swans District to leverage greater promotional opportunities out of the Swans District s suite of exciting community development programs. The #swansdistrict Instagram and YouTube Channel, Swans Vision will provide stakeholders with a sneak peak at the inner sanctum of the Swans District through a plethora photo and video content which highlights the diversity of the Swans District including clubs, coaching, schools and umpiring. Swans Vision, which was developed by Swans District Manager, Isaac Stewart and Swans District Youth Development Assistant, Daniel Curtis will showcase some of the most unique human interest stories in the Swans District including interviews ranging from coaches to teachers, players and staff. Swans Vision will put the spotlight on key innovations developed within the Swans District including the Chittering JFC Count Me In Program, Swans District Level 0 Umpiring Program, Swans District Primary School Leaders Program, Swans District Youth Leadership Program and Swans Footy Fundamentals Program. With social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube providing stakeholders with digital content at their fingertips, #swansdistrict and Swans Vision are exposing the Swans District to a new generation of participants. The scope for #swansdistrict and Swans Vision is unparalleled with these two innovations joining Black & White magazine, which has now entered its second year in publication. The magazine, which is produced quarterly, provides a unique insight into both the Swans District Football Development Council (SDFDC) and Swan Districts Football Club. Tap into the Swans District social revolution now by searching Swans District on Facebook and Instagram and Swans Vision on YouTube. To dance like no one is watching Jazz - Ballet - Tap - Contemporary - Latin - Hip Hop - Theatrical Drama Classes Tiny Tots Tuesdays 4pm - 5pm 3-5 years Juniors Tuesdays 5pm - 6pm 6-9 years Legends Tuesdays 6pm - 7pm Adults Intermediates Wednesdays 4pm - 5pm 10-12 years Hip Hop Wednesdays 5pm - 6pm 8+ years Seniors Wednesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm 13 + years Preps Thursdays 4pm - 5pm 6-9 years Threatrical Drama Thursdays 5pm - 6.30pm 8+ years Email: happyfeetdance@hotmail.com Principal: Barbara Perry 0408 889 640 or 9279 5236 PAGE 13
BLACK & WHITE Hedland Reds Striving for Success in 2014 Hedland Reds are set to continue their success this year, with up to 40 parents and 30 players attending the information meeting a few weeks ago. Footy in the Hedland community continues to grow with players and parents relishing the opportunity to finally play in a youth aged competition. The Hedland Reds is set to have two teams in 2014. One team will be Year 8/9 s and this team had its inaugural year in 2013, the other team will be under 17 s. The under 17 s is new this year and is heavily supported by local leagues and clubs in the region. Prior to V Swans setting up the Hedland Reds youth teams in 2013, kids in the Hedland region were forced to play senior football from the age of 13-17 moving straight into men s league from Auskick (12 s) or to not play football at all. Meaning many had to stop playing at all or had to wait until they were older and stronger to play at senior level. Hedland saw a significant decline in youth participation in the game over the previous decade and this V Swans program with the support BHP Billiton Iron Ore, key community volunteers and parents gives kids an opportunity to develop their skills and bodies in a team and competition relevant to their age. The Hedland Reds participate in the WPJFL playing against teams from Dampier, Karratha, Wickham and Roebourne. PAGE 14
Young Ducks Destined To Deliver In what s shaping to be a big 2014 for the Swan Districts Football Club, there is a swathe of home-grown talent expected to rise through the ranks and become senior players in 2014. Following the drafting of Rory Lobb, Dayle Garlett and Charlie Cameron in 2013, a number of scouts are keenly watching the development of Bunbury product, Connor Blakely and Upper Swan JFC s, Aidan Anderson. Anderson and Blakely both ascended through the ranks of the Swan Districts Football Club 14s, 15s and 16s Development Squads before being elevated to WAFL Colts and Reserves last year. Blakely also made his senior debut in late 2013, which was a nod to his prodigious talent. Anderson and Blakely are starting to reach their enormous potential through selection in the WA State 15s Schoolboys and WA State 16s with selection in the WA State 18s undoubtedly the icing on the cake. The dynamic duo will both be an integral part of the WA State 18s at the NAB National Under 18s Championships in 2014. Blakely, is following a trail blazed by his older sibling from junior community football in the South-West to the footballing mecca of Swan Districts Football Club. Blakely s brand of football is defined by his professional approach, highlighted by his work in the centre square. Blakely has been likened to Fremantle Dockers star, David Mundy due to his characteristic endurance and strength. Blakely also possesses outstanding ball delivery and work ethic in traffic. Blakely had a dream debut against East Fremantle in Round 23 2013, which showed glimpses of midfield brilliance against the battle-hardened bodies of the WAFL. The next step is the NAB National Under 18s, which will put Blakely under the microscope by a swathe of AFL talent scouts in a bid to get drafted at the NAB AFL National Draft in November 2014. Anderson is the epitome of the X factor draft pick with his agility, leap and pack marking a highlight of his game. Anderson, who made his mark at Upper Swan JFC, has quickly risen through the ranks thanks to his precise right foot, which slices through opposition defences at will. Anderson, has been earmarked as an exciting small forward with his ferocious tackling one of his strongest suits, refusing to shirk physical contact with opposition players. Anderson s early success is testament to his elite preparation and work ethic, which has become noticeable within the inner sanctum of Swan Districts Football Club. Anderson and Blakely have shown their star potential on numerous occasions in Swan District Football Club practice matches with the capacity to match it with the best the WAFL has to offer. Thanks to its policy of developing from within, Swan Districts Football Club, Player Development Officer, Steve Thomson, is excited by the possibility of Blakely and Anderson following the same path of Lobb, Garlett and Cameron. Both players have already shown their prodigious talent in their previous years and now they ve got a great opportunity to show their wares at senior level in the WAFL. With the NAB National Under 18s Championships scheduled for the end of the year, Connor and Aidan are extremely excited about the chance to display their talent in the WAFL scene firstly with the aim of also playing a key role in the WA Under 18s. Swan Districts Football Club aims to equip these young tyros with the right skills to achieve the highest possible honours as their careers progress. PAGE 15